Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
vs. Discover it® Cash Back Card

Both the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Discover it Cash Back Card offer enticing cash back rewards and no annual fee. However, the Quicksilver card edges ahead with its unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a better choice for consistent earners.

The Discover it Cash Back has 5% cash back in rotating categories, ideal for those who can maximize these quarterly bonuses. While the Quicksilver card may be the overall winner for its simplicity and higher cash back score, the Discover card's first-year cash back match is a compelling reason to consider it, especially for those planning significant spending in the bonus categories.

You might prefer the Quicksilver if you value simplicity and consistency in your rewards. With a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a straightforward $200 welcome bonus after a $500 spend within three months, it's a solid choice for everyday spending.

You might prefer the Discover it Cash Back if you're adept at maximizing cash back categories and don't mind putting in the effort to activate them each quarter. The first-year cash back match can be helpful if your spending aligns well with the rotating categories, potentially outpacing the bonus offered by the Quicksilver card.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards, introductory offers and other features will help you determine which card suits you best. Assess how each card's specifics, like Quicksilver's flat-rate cash back or Discover it Cash Back's rotating categories, fit your spending patterns. For instance, if you prefer consistent rewards without tracking categories, Quicksilver may suit you, whereas Discover it Cash Back could benefit those who maximize category spending.

The Quicksilver card simplifies earning with a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This is ideal for those who prefer not to track category bonuses. Booking travel through Capital One gives you 5% cash back, offering extra value for frequent travelers.

The Discover it Cash Back card offers the potential for higher rewards. It offers 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum and 1% back on all other purchases. This card is beneficial if you can align your spending with the rotating categories.

Some of the rotating categories may include drugstores and restaurants. However, you can find more detailed information on the rotating categories for the Discover it Cash Back. The upcoming table will provide a comparison of the bonus categories for both cards.

Quicksilver allows cardholders to redeem their cash back for statement credits, checks or gift cards with no minimum redemption amount. Automatic redemption can be set up for a specific threshold or annually. Discover it Cash Back also provides various redemption options, including gift cards and account credits, with the added benefit that rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.

We have reviewed over 200 credit cards like the Quicksilver and Discover it Cash Back using a tailored scoring system for various use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.